Manager Mikel Arteta promoted three teenagers of Nigerian descent to first-team training on Friday, on the eve of Arsenal's FA Cup fifth-round clash with Mansfield Town.

According to Arsenal youth team expert Jeorge Bird, schoolboys Mishel Nduka and Emerson Nwaneri — the younger brother of Ethan Nwaneri, who has been on the radar of the Nigeria Football Federation — took part in the session.

Allnigeriasoccer.com can also confirm that forward Andre Harriman-Annous was present at Sobha Realty Training Centre in London Colney as the Gunners wrapped up preparations for their trip to Field Mill.

Harriman-Annous has frequently trained with Arsenal’s first team this season, although he primarily represents the club’s development squad.

The Hale End Academy graduate has received four senior call-ups to date — against Slavia Prague in the UEFA Champions League, Liverpool  and Sunderland in the Premier League, and Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. in the Carabao Cup.

Emerson and Nduka are in the final year of their schoolboy deals with Arsenal and are expected to be among the club’s new intake of scholars for the 2026–2027 season.

Ethan Nwaneri is the youngest player in history to make an appearance in the English top flight, having debuted at the age of 15 years and 181 days — a record that cannot be broken by his younger brother Emerson, who is 15 years and 201 days. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel